I once heard someone say “life is best described as moments of time strung end to end like fine pearls ... in that one day you should be able to look back upon your life and enjoy the beauty you’ve created.” I didn’t always live by such a grandiose adage, however. When I first began my career in the mortgage lending industry, I was enthralled by thoughts of making a fortune as a mortgage banker. The first few years were tough while I learned the lingo and the industry, and began to understand my place in the market. I was fortunate enough to work for some of the bigger companies, such as Wells Fargo and Countrywide, which gave me a broad overview of the industry as I started my career. I was making the fortune that I had hoped for, yet something was amiss.

After a total of 15 years between the two firms, an opportunity I couldn’t pass up presented itself - an opportunity to bridge the gap between the mortgage industry and technology. In 2005 I met Nick Florez, president and founding owner of Meridias Capital Inc. He had a vision to develop a superior mortgage originating platform and to strategically distribute this system. The success of the company was evident in key market areas such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Denver and Phoenix.

At the time, Meridias Capital enjoyed consistent and sustainable growth, ranking sixth on Inc. magazine’s Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. The company’s products, pricing and performance, encapsulated by technology, delivered the exceptional customer experience people were looking for. I was fortunate to be given the task of pioneering this product here in Hawaii.

Meridias Capital of Hawaii formed in April 2006 and now has three office locations on Oahu, the Big Island and Maui. Plans to open up an office on Kauai are under way for the latter part of this year.

Since becoming the Hawaii regional business development manager at Meridias Capital, I’ve come to realize that that I provided more than a uniform mortgage package - what I actually provide is a shiny pearl in the form of a new home for people who have dreamed of owning a home their entire lives. The technology employed by Meridias Capital is helping make this dream a reality for many local families. This technology significantly decreases the loan processing time compared to industry standards, allowing customers to be in their new homes quicker or refinanced sooner.

Today, Meridias Capital of Hawaii continues to grow, employing some of the highest caliber of mortgage professionals available on our team.

Robert F. Kennedy said it best: “You’re happiest while you’re making the greatest contribution.”

I believe we’re poised to contribute to the dream of home-ownership in a big way, and that every transaction we close is yet another pearl, a moment in time added to our strand. I anticipate looking back on my life one day and reflecting on the wonderful things we’ve done.